Organisation

The GRDC’s operations are tailored to most effectively apply the organisation’s resources to achieve its outcomes.

Through the GRDC structure, the strengths of the GRDC’s highly committed staff are enhanced by the depth of experience of its directors and the diverse knowledge and skills of its advisory panel members. All aspects of the GRDC’s performance and accountability are underpinned by robust corporate governance policies and practices.

Structure

Figure 12 sets out the organisational structure of the GRDC.

Figure 12 Organisational structure

Board

The GRDC Board, headed by the Chair, oversees corporate governance, sets strategic direction and monitors the ongoing performance of the corporation and the Managing Director.

Board members are appointed by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on the recommendations of an independent selection committee.

Panels

The GRDC’s advisory panels help to ensure that GRDC investments are directed towards the interests of all its stakeholders and deliver benefits as relevant products and services in each grain-growing region. The efforts and expertise of this network of growers, advisers and researchers are crucial to the GRDC’s success.

The National Panel:

addresses national RD&E priorities across the GRDC’s investment portfolio and makes recommendations to the Board

assists the Board to maintain links with grain growers, the Australian Government, state and territory governments and research partners.

The National Panel is composed of the chairs of the three regional panels, the Managing Director and the GRDC’s executive managers.

identifies and monitors regional and national grains industry issues that are relevant to the region

interacts with grower groups, research advisory committees and other interested parties in the region to exchange information

identifies and develops priorities for RD&E investment and recommends these to the National Panel

keeps growers and advisers in the region informed about the GRDC’s strategic direction, investment portfolio and research projects

assists staff in monitoring the effectiveness of the investment portfolio.

The regional panels are composed of grain growers, agribusiness representatives, researchers and the GRDC’s executive managers.

Senior Leadership Group

The Senior Leadership Group is responsible for advising the Board, realising the Board’s priorities, and managing and evaluating the GRDC’s investments in RD&E.

The Senior Leadership Group is composed of the Managing Director and the executive manager of each of the GRDC’s four business groups.

Business groups

The GRDC’s business activities are conducted by three operational business groups and an enabling business group.

Table 6 provides details of each group.

Table 6 GRDC business groups

Mandate

Priorities

Operational business groups

Research Programs

Create value for Australian grain growers by investing in R&D programs that address key grains industry priorities, enhance competitiveness and sustainability and generate the greatest potential return for growers and the wider community. Ensure that R&D programs are nationally coordinated and integrated with extension so that the Australian grains industry has access to a highly capable and effective RD&E sector with the infrastructure and capability to meet future industry needs.